a. [ L. effeminatus, p. p. of effeminare to make a woman of; ex out + femina a woman. See Feminine, a. ]
The king, by his voluptuous life and mean marriage, became effeminate, and less sensible of honor. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]
An effeminate and unmanly foppery. Bp. Hurd. [ 1913 Webster ]
Gentle, kind, effeminate remorse. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ Effeminate and womanish are generally used in a reproachful sense; feminine and womanly, applied to women, are epithets of propriety or commendation. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
It will not corrupt or effeminate children's minds. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. i. To grow womanish or weak. [ 1913 Webster ]
In a slothful peace both courage will effeminate and manners corrupt. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]
adv.
n. The state of being effeminate; unmanly softness. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]